Tourist Places India
Elemental Backwaters of Kerala
One of the Top 10 tourist destinations of the world, Kerala has shot to fame with its picture-perfect tropical beaches and soothing romantic backwater cruises. Nature has chosen Kerala to be a fort for its spontaneous organic artistic creations and unimaginable beauty. The dense green forests and paddy fields with knee-deep water appeal to most primitive instincts of tourists – domestic or international. Houseboat cruises in Kerala backwaters are also the best way to observe the striking bio-diversity of the region from up close and listen to the sounds of Nature.
There are several indigenous aquatic animal species unique to the place. Traditional houseboats are interesting themselves and take you on a fascinating ride to remote tiny Keralite villages and hidden gems, past colorful birds and handmade canoes. In Kerala, you can also visit mountain resorts offering sparkling waterfalls and aromatic coffee and spice plantations. The exclusive Ayurveda Health Resorts at idyllic locations help you have communion with Nature as you undergo age-old treatments and massage therapies, follow strict vegetarian diets and do Yoga exercises and meditation.
Cardamom Hills of Munnar
Situated on the slopes of Nilgiris or Blue Hills, Munnar is essentially green. Profuse tea and spice plantations; mountain streams known as Mudrapuzha, Kundala and Nallathanni; fragrance of wild blue blossoms known as Neelakurinji; and most fascinating picnic spots such as Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Devikulam, Pothamedu, Rajamala, Pallivasal, Attukal, Nyayamakad, and Chithirapuram make Munnar irresistible.
Agra with Taj Mahal at the Center Stage
The single most visited site in India is Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World Taj Mahal. The seat of Mughals before Delhi, Agra sports architectural and historical sites built by four most powerful Mughal Emperors. Babur built Persian Gardens; Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri; Jehangir added palaces to Agra Fort and completed Sikandra – Akbar’s Tomb; and Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal. Noor Jehan, the political mastermind and artistic genius, constructed Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb in the memory of her father, which is known as Jewel Box for its intricate beauty and is said to be the inspiration for Taj.
Time-Honored Delhi: Heart of India
Delhi has always been a beauteous gem of India Tourism. The architectural excavations near the Old Fort indicate presents of the magical kingdom of Pandavas – Indraprastha – at Delhi. Today, it is a base for North India tourism and has lion’s share of historical heritage monuments from Mughal and British era, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The modern tourist attractions include Lotus Temple, and Akshardham Temple.
Little Tibet at Ladakh
Snowcapped mountains greet you at Ladakh, described by some as the Roof of the World and Land of High Passes. Winters at Leh and Ladakh are ideal for ultimate adventure tourism experiences. Colorful festivals of Buddhist Gompas built in Tibetan style at most unusual locations keep tourists entertained and interested all the year round. The religion and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism find special place in the monasteries of Leh and Ladakh.
Mysterious, Mystic and Maverick Khajuraho Temples
Intricate and explicit sculptures and carvings gracing the exteriors of Khajuraho Temples have puzzled historians and scholars for centuries. These 10th century temples set in wilderness, away from the human settlement, depicting all facets of life including war, romance, sensual pleasures, and extreme sex, are thought to be related to Tantricism sect of Hinduism. Well photographed and much hyped, Khajuraho Temples are best visited with a mind free of prejudices and preconceptions.
Sacred Ganges at Varanasi
An old living city, Varanasi or Benares is more than 3000 years old. With 84 Ghats on Holy River Ganges and thousands of temples, Varanasi spells spirituality and transcendence for those who let themselves mingle in the crowds of pilgrims and take a dip in the river with unrestrained faith and devotion.